Well let's just say, right up front, the perceived slump is back. Or to put it another way, this week didn't match or beat the same weekend last year, which was a record breaking year. Basically it is nothing to worry about, but makes for great trumpeting news in the studio circles.
On to the films. The Island arrived DOA, taking in less than $12.5 million, on a budget of $125 million. There has been mixed word about it, I still plan on seeing it, but for a Michael Bay film, this would definitely have to be termed a disappoint. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it is doubtful that it will make back it's production cost, at least until it hits DVD. Bad News Bears is also a disappointment, although it falls into about what I was expecting.
On a better note, I am pleased with The Devil's Rejects performance. I would have liked to have seen it do better, but it was in the top 10, and the movie is hardcore. Hopefully it will hang on for awhile. There is also Batman Begins, which is slipping down the top 10, but is still closing in on $200 million, I think it has a pretty good chance of getting it. If you haven't seen it, see it, if you have, see it again, it is that good.
The top 3 remain unchanged from last week with Charlie leading the way. I admit it, I saw it again, and loved it even more. The Crashers pull in second again, and deservedly so.
Finally there is March of the Penguins, this is one of those great stories, a documentary with great production qualities, great narration, and getting the attention it deserves. It is a wonderful little film which the whole family can enjoy. It gets a wider release next week, take the family.
| This Week | Last Week | Title | Wknd Gross | Overall | Week in release |
| 1 | 1 | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | $28,253,338 | $114,058,892 | 2 |
| 2 | 2 | Wedding Crashers | $25,665,065 | $80,366,504 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 | Fantastic Four | $12,646,871 | $122,931,780 | 3 |
| 4 | N | The Island | $12,409,070 | $12,409,070 | 1 |
| 5 | N | Bad News Bears | $11,382,472 | $11,382,472 | 1 |
| 6 | 4 | War of the Worlds | $8,925,605 | $208,421,643 | 4 |
| 7 | N | Hustle & Flow | $8,017,808 | $8,017,808 | 1 |
| 8 | N | The Devil's Rejects | $7,067,335 | $7,067,335 | 1 |
| 9 | 5 | Batman Begins | $4,727,469 | $191,105,194 | 6 |
| 10 | 12 | March of the Penguins | $4,382,340 | $9,306,689 | 5 |
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Article comments
1 - Leoniceno
Whatever has happened to 'Murderball'? It got such good reviews, and seems to have disappeared.
2 - Tan The Man
It was in limited release, but expect more hooplah when it rolls into more theaters.
3 - Chris Beaumont
It's opening nar me next weekend, I'm looking forward to it!
4 - Phillip Winn
This "slump" is silly. David Poland outlined out the entire so-called can be explained by one single movie: The Passion.
Eliminate that one film (and its unusual audience) from last year, and this year is typical of the last several, no problems.